WHAT WE LEARNED IN WEEK 1

Well its time to just give in and admit it - Northwestern is incapable of winning a game in relaxing fashion. After going up 10-0 early in the first quarter, it looked as if all of the fears of laying an egg on the road versus an SEC bottom-feeder would be avoided. Alas, it was not to be. Not until a personal foul penalty in the final minutes gave NU a first down and the ability to run out the clock was there any feeling of comfort for 'Cats fans.

But only one thing counts: a 23-21 victory, 1-0 to start the season. So what'd we learned in this (all too common) nail-biter?

Quarterback
Dan Persa entered the season opener with huge shoes to fill following the graduation of Mike Kafka, including the 4TD performance in the Outback Bowl. In what had the potentional to be a disasterous first start on the road, Persa was the brightest spot on a generally lackluster performance for the men in purple. His 19/21, 226 yards, 3TD performance set a NU completion percentage record, and Persa complimented his throwing accuracy with a solid running game as well.

Following a very successful first start, expectations are likely to be sky-high for the Junior QB moving forward. While we aren't likely to learn much more about Persa this week (as the running game will take precedence), the game at Rice in two weeks will be a good test to see if our new phenom can keep rolling.

Running Game
As Cee Lo Green would say..."WHHHYYYYYYY!!! WHHHHHY!" Hopes were high going into the game that with an experienced O-line the running game would finally be resurrected from the depths of despair known as 2009. Instead, the ground game may have actually taken a step back...literally. Starting RB Arby Fields finished with -7, yes NEGATIVE SEVEN yards on 10 carries. None of the Cats RBs finished with over 50 yards, and the total rushing yards other than Persa's were a terrifying 61.

How did this happen? First the O-line showed few signs of being the powerful unit fans had expected coming into the season. Throughout the game the line struggled to open up holes and give the backs some room to run. This problem exacerabates the fact that NU's RB's lack the speed required to get to the outside and turn the corner, meaning that opening up holes on dive and draw plays is crucial for the Cats to pick up consistent yardage on the ground. Additionally, while the backs play tough, none possess the talents of former stars Sutton and Wright, in that they can't make their own space with the ball. There are times when the backs need to open their own routes, and so far none of the current corps have shown us much in that area.

Keep the kids away, because this has become a horror movie.

Defense
It may be that practicing against the 'Cats running backs has brought the D down as well, but the Cats showed that they have a lot of work to do in stopping opponents rushing attacks. Zac Stacy led the charge for Vandy, gaining only 69 yards but averaging 7 yards per carry. The 192 total rushing yards the Commodores put up is not the end of the world on its own, but when considering that Vandy's top running back gained only 46 yards because he was slowed due to injury, those numbers are far scarier (horror movie, part II).

Under Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern's defenses have traditionally improved as the season goes on, so the hopeful assumption is that this year will be the same. The D will have a serious challenge this week against Illinois St, so the improvement better come quickly...we cannot lose to another 1-AA team.

We have a lot more to learn about the Cats in the next two games, particularly about the running and defensive woes. One this is for certain though - no matter against who and no matter where, the game is always going to be much too close for comfort.